Lincoln refreshes MKC small SUV for 2019 with some restyling and new tech

Lincoln has some good news for fans and enthusiasts of its Lincoln MKC – the premium brand’s small sports utility is getting a refresh for the 2019 model year. Among the updates are some new styling elements, increased connectivity, and more driver-focused technologies.

The premium carmaker introduced the MKC in 2014 (as a 2015 model), and since then the small SUV has been successful in bringing in new customers from other brands. Lincoln noted that nearly half of its new customers are conquest sales.

With the current looks of the MKC making waves in the small SUV segment and attracting new customers, Lincoln perhaps has decided to keep most of the present formula and implement a few styling updates while adding new innovations to further gain more sales.

One of the most glaring styling tweaks on the 2019 Lincoln MKC can be seen up front. Gone is the split-wing grille, which has been replaced by a new signature single-piece grille.

This new grille is flanked by detailed separately housed headlamps that employ light emitting diode (LED) units. The new 2019 MKC is also provided with a new design on the rear end that features chrome highlights. Customers may also have their 2019 be fitted with a panoramic roof to allow more natural light to enter the cabin during the day.

The new 2019 Lincoln MKC will arrive at Lincoln dealerships next summer.

Interior Design

Inside, the new MKC essentially is the same, replete with high-quality materials. Wi-Fi and USB ports are standard while heated and cooled seats are available. Customers may select from three premium Lincoln Black Label designer themes: Modern Heritage, Indulgence and Center Stage. The Modern Heritage theme offers Vianca White Venetian leather seats with the Lincoln Black Label star insignia as well as Argento wood accents.

As standard, the new Lincoln MKC comes with Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The 2019 Lincoln MKC also comes with a host of driver-assist technologies like Pre-Collision Assist -- with Pedestrian Detection -- that employs advanced radar and camera sensors to warn a driver of possible collisions, including those involving a pedestrian. The refreshed small SUV could also be availed with active park assist, lane-keeping alert and Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert.

Powertrain

Serving as the core of the 2019 MKC is a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that delivers 245 hp of max output. A larger and more powerful engine is also available, a twin-scroll turbocharged 2.3-liter engine that could deliver 285 hp of max output and 305 lb.-ft. of peak torque. As standard, power is sent to the front wheels, although intelligent all-wheel-drive system is offered as an option.

Press Release

New Lincoln MKC: Small SUV Amps up Style, Connectivity to Stand Out from the Crowd

· MKC is bringing new clients to Lincoln; one out of two Lincoln MKC sales come from other luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and Lexus

· New Lincoln MKC introduces a suite of driver-focused technologies with the addition of Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, which can help drivers avoid potential front crashes, and can help reduce the severity of or even eliminate some front collisions involving other vehicles and pedestrians

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 21, 2017 – The new Lincoln MKC is poised to attract even more luxury SUV buyers, thanks to its new commanding design, driver-focused technologies like automatic emergency braking and collision pedestrian avoidance, and ownership services that build on Lincoln’s exclusive Pickup and Delivery service.

Since its introduction in 2014, Lincoln MKC has introduced more people to the luxury small SUV marque than any other vehicle, with nearly half of all clients coming from other brands. Women account for more than half of sales and, in turn, are driving growth in this luxury segment, which has increased 29 percent over the past decade.

“Our redesigned Lincoln MKC offers style, substance and technologies that create an effortless ownership experience,” says Kumar Galhotra, president, The Lincoln Motor Company. “We recognize it takes a lot to attract a buyer from other luxury competitors, but the Lincoln MKC has that kind of appeal and, we believe that the new MKC will capture even more luxury clients.”

Eye-catching from any angle

The 2019 Lincoln MKC exemplifies the refined new face of Lincoln. The signature grille evokes a sense of confidence, and beautifully detailed LED headlamps illuminate the road with crisp lighting designed to minimize eyestrain. A new rear design features attractive chrome highlights that enhance the appearance from all angles.

LED lighting in the lower front body and tail-lamps subtly illuminates to greet clients upon approach, and a luminous Lincoln welcome mat appears beneath both front doors to light the way for driver and passenger. During the day, an available panoramic roof fills the cabin with natural light.

Inside, the cabin is quiet, warm and inviting, replete with plush, touchable materials. Lincoln craftsmanship is apparent in every detail. Available heated and cooled seats ensure a comfortable ride, while standard Wi-Fi and USB ports throughout let everyone stay connected.

For those seeking a unique personalized experience, Lincoln Black Label is available for the new MKC. Lincoln Black Label not only provides the best level of materials in specially curated designer themes, but also offers a host of membership privileges. These include annual vehicle detailing, anytime carwashes, and access to a curated list of restaurants where noted chefs will provide an at-your-service dining experience.

Each Black Label theme has been custom curated by Lincoln’s design team, taking inspiration from the realms of the arts, travel, fine food and culture. The themes are:

· Modern Heritage: A timeless ensemble of elegance without ostentation, Modern Heritage is perfect for those who appreciate a clean, modern aesthetic. This theme features seats in Vianca White Venetian leather finished with the Lincoln Black Label star insignia, with Argento wood accents.

· Indulgence: A rich, sumptuous interior, this theme is designed to match the most refined tastes. Visually enticing, Indulgence features surfaces trimmed in Venetian leather and Alcantara® cloth, in tempting hues like Truffle and Ganache, finished with accents from rich Ziricote wood – the same as you might find in the world of yachts or musical instruments.

· Center Stage: Inspired by the fashion of the theater, Center Stage captures the excitement of a curtain skirting across the main stage on opening night. It features an exclusive diamond-L perforation pattern on the Alcantara cloth inserts, finished with precisely stitched Foxfire Red piping. Exotic wood accents enhance the architectural design, while Jet Black Venetian leather accented by Firefox Red adds a dramatic flair.

In line with Lincoln’s commitment to offering inspired interior environments, the new Lincoln MKC also will feature a rich Rialto Green cabin with black ash wood accents, available on Reserve models. This new deep green is inspired by the vibrant tones emanating from the world of high fashion.

Technology that inspires confidence

Because today’s luxury clients expect to be constantly connected, the new Lincoln MKC offers standard SYNC® 3 with both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility, enabling occupants to manage audio, phone, navigation and more from the vehicle touchscreen or steering wheel-mounted controls.

A suite of driver-assist technologies designed to inspire confidence includes Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection. This system is designed to reduce the severity of and, in some cases, eliminate frontal collisions, including those involving pedestrians. It uses advanced radar and camera sensors to provide a collision warning to the driver. If the driver does not respond in time, the system can automatically apply vehicle brakes.

Available active park assist can reduce parking anxiety by helping guide drivers in to and out of tight parallel-parking situations. Other available technologies include lane-keeping alert and Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert.

Luxury meets performance

Three technologies – turbocharging, direct injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing – are responsible for a powerful engine offering for the new Lincoln MKC. This twin-scroll turbocharged 2.3-liter engine producing 285 horsepower and 305 lb.-ft. of torque allows Lincoln MKC to offer an available towing capacity of 3,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Both the powerful turbocharged 2.3-liter and the standard turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivering 245 horsepower are designed to be exhilarating and fuel efficient. Either option can be paired to Lincoln’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which delivers enhanced all-weather capabilities and sportier performance.

Effortless ownership

Effortless ownership with the new Lincoln MKC is offered through the Lincoln Way™ app. Lincoln Way enables clients to start, lock, unlock and locate their MKC, as well as schedule remote starts to allow the vehicle to heat or cool to comfortable levels. Lincoln Concierge, which allows owners to schedule Pickup and Delivery for vehicle service, as well as find and reserve parking, is also available through the app.

The brand’s increased focus on offerings that provide an effortless ownership experience now includes standard Pickup and Delivery. The service can pick up a client’s vehicle at an agreed location, then take it to a dealership for service, providing a complimentary Lincoln loaner vehicle. Once service is complete, clients can arrange for their washed and serviced vehicle to be returned to them at a location of their choice.

Lincoln remains the only luxury automaker to provide Pickup and Delivery as a standard service for all vehicles to save its clients time and effort.

Galhotra says Lincoln’s commitment to being a world-class brand goes well beyond its exceptional vehicles.

“For Lincoln, every client is unique and and we want every element of the Lincoln shop, buy and own process to be a truly personalized and effortless experience,” he says.

The new 2019 Lincoln MKC will be available at Lincoln dealers this summer.